CASPER, Wyo. — Wyoming Medical Center President and CEO Michele Chulick said in a letter to colleagues on Aug. 31 that she will retire this fall once Banner Health’s acquisition of the hospital is complete.
Banner Health is expected to purchase the hospital land, buildings and equipment from Natrona County for $157 million in the deal. Banner is also expected to convey about $41 million to the WMC Foundation. The deal is expected to close around Oct. 1.
“I’d like to share with you that I have made the decision to retire this fall,” Chulick said in the letter. “I am proud of the work we have done toward our affiliation with Banner, and am committed to completing the transition. I am confident that our hospital, staff, physicians and community are in excellent hands with Banner, as I move on to the next chapter of life.”
Chulick became CEO of the WMC in 2017 and said her three years “have been very fulfilling.”
“From the time I first stepped foot on campus for an interview in the Spring of 2017 I’ve said that this hospital is a precious jewel, right here in the middle of Wyoming,” she wrote. “This hospital saved my husband’s life two years ago, and for that I am forever grateful. The care our teams provide here is truly world class, and it has been my great pleasure to be a part of it.”
“We have accomplished so much together in my time here. As a servant leader, I have been intensely focused on our success and achieving the strategic goals of the Board. While I am saying goodbye, I want you to know how excited I am about Wyoming Medical Center’s future. I am thrilled with the opportunities that lie ahead for all of you as physicians and employees of Wyoming Medical Center, but also for our community as a whole.”
Chulick expressed confidence that the WMC will flourish under Banner Health’s guidance.
“I know that the future of Wyoming Medical Center will be sustained in the trusted hands of Banner, an outstanding healthcare organization that will continue to nurture, build and enhance health care for our patients and our community,” she said.
Dr. James Bleicher will step into the role of interim president and CEO of the hospital, Chulick said. He’ll also continue in his role as chief clinical officer.
“I have personally spoken with Margo Karsten, Banner’s president of the Western Region, and other Banner leaders and they are committed to maintaining continuity through this transition with current WMC leadership,” Chulick added. “I know that Dr. Bleicher is the perfect person to assume this role. My thanks go to him for helping to manage this transition.”
Chulick added that she believes she achieved her goals while with the WMC.
“I came to Casper and Wyoming Medical Center to serve something larger than me,” she said. “I believe I have done just that, focusing on the priorities of the Board and improving health care for the residents of Natrona County and for the state of Wyoming. I will be forever thankful to have known you and this incredible community.”
